The Federal Government has said Nigerian troops have launched a serious offensive against the deadly Boko Haram sect in an attempt to reclaim Baga and other parts of Borno State overrun by the insurgents.

This was disclosed in a statement made
available to Punch in Abuja, by the
coordinator of the National Information
Centre, Mr. Mike Omeri.
Boko Haram militants were said to have
razed at least 16 Borno State towns and
villages in new multiple attacks.
According to Omeri, in recent days, there has
been heavy fighting between Boko Haram
and Nigerian troops in some parts of Borno
State, especially Baga.
He explained that since the insurgents’ first
attack on Baga last weekend, security forces
have been on their tail, chasing them.
He said: “ On Wednesday, a group of militants
conducted a second terrorist attack on the
area, leaving casualties and destroying
property. Security forces have responded
rapidly, and have deployed significant
military assets and conducted airstrikes
against militant targets.

“These brutal and barbaric attacks by Boko
Haram represent none of the people of
Nigeria and no religion. Our security forces
will continue to pursue the perpetrators of
these heinous acts. We will stop Boko Haram,
and we will bring to justice those responsible
for the brutal violence being perpetrated
against the people of Nigeria.”
Omeri disclosed that the the National
Emergency Management Agency was
providing comprehensive humanitarian
support to 2,000 Internally Displaced Persons
from Baga at its secure facility, the Teacher’s
Village Camp.
Despite the state of emergency declared by
the Federal Government in 2013 in Borno,
Boko Haram has continued to rein terror and
have even stepped up its attacks. There are
even fears that many people in the area will
not be able to vote in next month’s general
elections because of the insurgency.